Private schools receive Government Assistance

Private schools around the country have received a cash injection of ST$5 million at one of the most crucial junctures in their annual timetable.

Previously, the financial assistance was divvied out by government at the conclusion of the financial year, but according to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, a request was made by some school principals to release the money earlier in the year to coincide with the start of the first school term.

“Timing was important, as most school Principals advised us that the start of the school year is a time when extra help – especially in the monetary sense – is needed the most, and the early presentation of the grants give school administrators a chance to allocate funds accordingly for their annual budget.”

According to Tuilaepa, international aid has provided much of the funding for these grants, with Cabinet deciding which schools are deserving of the assistance. The decision is based on a report submitted to Cabinet from the Ministry of Education detailing the performance of each school and outlining achievements and areas that require attention.

The monetary grants were spread amongst private and mission: pre-schools, primary schools, schools for special needs children and secondary schools. Assistance was also provided for programs in continuing education, vocational schooling and for the Samoa National Orchestra.